City Coach seeks public input on proposed changes

Since the last major set of City Coach route changes in April of 2007, the demand for City Coach has grown and ridership has increased.

To continue to provide a high-quality, customer-focused transit system it is necessary to periodically evaluate routes and make changes to keep up with changes in the way people move around Vacaville, said Brian McLean, city of Vacaville Public Works Manager. That's why, in late December 2013, city transit staff began the process of re-evaluating all City Coach bus routes with the goal of enhancing service throughout the city's public transit network.

After almost six months of work, there are several proposals which are believed to bring an exciting new level of transportation mobility to the citizens of Vacaville, McLean said.

Here are just some of the many City Coach enhancements that have been developed for public review:

• Expanded Operating Hours: During the summer months of June thru September it is proposed that City Coach operate longer hours. Monday through Friday operations would start at 6 a.m. and end at 9 p.m. Saturday operating hours would start at 7a.m. and continue to 9 p.m.

• Service to Your Curb: City Coach is proposing a new service entitled City Coach Call-n-Ride. This new service would be available to everyone within the zonal area and provide shared-ride transportation starting at your curb, for only $1.75.

• Rapid 5 Service: City Coach is proposing to add two additional Route 5 buses (for a total of four Route 5 buses) during the busiest weekday commute times starting at approximately 2:30 p.m. thru 6 p.m. This special time-saving program would be called Rapid 5.

• Tripper Service: Additional service would be provided in the morning and afternoon specifically designed to transport youths to and from school site areas.

• No Change to Route 5: There will be no structural route change to the current Route 5.

• Maintaining Current 30-Minute Headways: The proposed Route 3, Route 4 and Route 5 will all operate at a convenient 30-minute frequency.

• No Fare Increase: Because City Coach has been able to maintain a viable and fiscally sound transit system there is no need to raise current cash or pass fares, McClean said.

Change can be a good thing, and City Coach is now at the point of gathering public comment, McClean said. Public input is vital to the continued growth and success of the City Coach Transit system, he added.

Starting June 2, the city will be hosting several public meetings across Vacaville to solicit ideas and comments.

See the public meeting schedule for the dates and times or visit citycoach.com for more information.